Charolais Association of Texas - Calf Donation Program

The Charolais Association of Texas has a program that donates Charolais calves to individuals who've never owned a registered Charolais, for the purpose of showing as a project. Applications are being accepted and the deadline has been extended to December 21, 2009. The link to the program and application is http://www.charolaisassociation.com/odbutler.html. We ask that you relay this information to your youth and encourage them to complete the application if they qualify. Remember, all applications must be postmarked by December 21, 2009.

Summer Program Assistant Positon at the National 4-H Center

Looking for youth with a high school diploma/preferably some college experience.

Do you know a 4-H'er who has a passion for government, history, political science, working with youth, public speaking, or leadership? If so, encourage them to apply for the position of Program Assistant (PA) at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center! Application deadlines are approaching soon and we want to give 4-H alumni and Collegiate 4-Hers an opportunity to make a difference during their spring or summer semester. Our PAs will be touching the lives of thousands of high school-aged students from all over the United States while working for the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) program in Washington, DC.
CWF gives 4-Hers the opportunity to strengthen their communication, leadership, and other citizenship skills on a national level. Nearly 2,000 young people exchange ideas, practice respect, and form friendships with other youth from diverse backgrounds throughout the summer. Through hands-on activities, simulations, and tours of various monuments and memorials, participants figure out what citizenship means to them and develop action plans to make a difference in their home communities. As a CWF Program Assistant, these 4-H leaders will create, develop, and facilitate curriculum to be used during the 2010 program.
We are looking for individuals with at least a high school diploma (preferably some college experience) and a passion for youth development, hospitality, teaching, history, politics, or leadership. If you know a college student looking for credit towards graduation, National 4-H Council will happily work with the student and the school to make this possible. Listed below is the link for information and application materials.

Citizenship Washington Focus Program Assistant:
Application due January 18, 2010
http://www.citizenshipwashingtonfocus.org/programassistant.aspx

For more information please contact:
Molly Young Freeman Thompson
Director, Youth Opportunities Coordinator, Youth Opportunities
myoung@4HCenter.org fthompson@4HCenter.org
301-961-2812 301-961-2917

SALE Youth Day Activities

Saturday, February 6, 2010
Photography Contest and Fashion Show at the San Antonio Livestock Show
Booths will also be setup by clubs and groups to showcase their interests and project work. If your club would like to set up a booth, please contact Cory for further discussion.

Please Check out the flyers at www.travis4h.com (look under the upcoming events folder)
Entry list will be due to Cory Talley at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu by January 19, 2010

Please email Cory if you have questions!

Photography Contest

If you enjoy taking photos and would like to receive recognition for your work, take the time to enter the Photography Contest. Each 4-H member is eligible to submit 4 (four) photographs to be judged. Each member may also submit a creative display (a one page (size - 12"x12") with pictures and embellishments). 4-H'ers may only submit 1 (one) creative display project.

4-H'ers may submit any number of photos for the county contest, but must designate the four photos they would like judged at the district contest. There is no charge for the county contest, but there is a $5.00 charge for the district contest. To be eligible to compete at the district contest, youth must register via 4-H Connect to be considered for judging. Registration will be open March 1- 15, 2010.

Photos must be submitted to the County Extension Office by Thursday, March 4, 2010. To view the divisions and classes, please check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com. Each photo must also have the label attached to the back on the photos. Photos may be in color or black and white and must be 8"x10" mounted on black or white foam board of 8"x10".

Please check out the www.travis4h.com website for the label and classes/divisions.

San Antoni Livestock Show School Tours

If you are interested in serving as a School Tour Guide for the San Antonio Livestock Show, please review the dates below and let Cory know by December 10 ,2009 at noon. Please look closely at the schedule and make sure that the date you choose does not conflict with a show date, time or anything else. Once you commit, you have committed and will be expected to carry out the duty on the day you signed up for. You are committing from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on that day.

2010 Tour Dates – Week 1
Monday, February 8, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010

2010 Tour Dates – Week 2
Monday, February 15, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
No Tours on Thursday, February 18, 2010
No Tours on Friday, February 19, 2010

If you have any questions, please let Cory know. cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu

Teen Retreat at the Texas 4-H Conference Center

Howdy! The Texas 4-H Conference Center is pleased to announce plans for the first event of 2010. The Texas Teen Retreat to be held January 8-10, 2010 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center! This retreat will be an excellent opportunity for senior 4-H members ages 13-19 to learn numerous basic personal skills and leadership techniques. Our unique theme this year is “Fasten Your Seat Belts... 4-H is FUN!” a look at the new Recreation Handbook. Participants will see, learn, and get some practice leading recreation activities for any and all age groups! Teen Retreat participants will be equipped to return to their counties and lead activities with afterschool programs, 4-H clubs, Youth Boards, and more!

Registration is being conducted via 4-H Connect. The cost of this event is $120.00. Travis 4-H will pay half of the registration fee, only after you have paid for the event in full and attended the event. New additional sponsor - of the $60.00 remaining fee you will pay, due to a gracious sponsor, you will now only have to pay $30. For youth who attend. $90.00 will be refunded to each participant upon returning from the trip. If interested in this event and would like more information, please talk with Cory via email at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu or by phone at 512-854-9600. Need to register via 4-H Connect by December 28, 2009.

Travis County 4-H T-shirt Orders

Orders are being accepted for Travis County 4-H T-shirts. The order form may be found at travis4h.com - (look under the tab "4-H Forms". Long or short sleeve shirts may be ordered.
Short Sleeve - $12.00 and Long Sleeve - $15.00. Order forms are due to the County Extension Office by December 1, 2009.

*** A correction is being made to add a hyphen between the 4 and the H.***

Travis County Youth Show Junior Superintendents

Opportunity for youth in the 8th-12th grades. The application must be completed and turned in by November 16, 2009 to the Travis County Youth Show Office. Application may be found at travis4h.com under the "forms" tab or on the TCYS website

Youth will be notified by phone on November 23, 2009 and invited to attend the December 2nd Board Meeting to meet the superintendents.

JUNIOR SUPERINTENDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO ASSIST THE SUPERINTENDENTS WITH VARIOUS AREAS OF THE SHOW & AUCTION. THEY WILL BE EXPECTED TO WEAR YOUR OFFICIAL NAME TAG. THIS OBLIGATION WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH YOUR OWN SHOW TIMES.

Please mail applications to
P.O. Box 1110
Manor, TX 778653

or Email to: tcys@live.com

Travis Extension Education Association Bazaar

Saturday, November 14, 2009
9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.

Faith Lutheran Church
6600 Woodrow Avenue
Austin, TX

Great Holiday Decorations, Craft and Gift Items, Delicious Homemade Bake Goods, Breakfast Tacos, Hot Soups and Sandwiches, Desserts, Drinks.. and Much More

Travis County One Day 4-H Activities

Please take a look at the 4-H Website - www.travis4h.com to check out some photos of the One Day 4-H Events. If you have photos you would like posted of one day activity, please email them to Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu.

4-H Photos Needed

The 4-H Office and the County Council are requesting photos of 4-H'ers in action as well as photos taken by 4-H'ers. Promotional posters will be put together and printed to use at various 4-H events. The goal of this project is develop a poster portraying the many aspects of 4-H and all that it has to offer. Photos must be sent via email and as a jpeg (will not be accepted in other forms). Please submit photos to cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu. Please note that not all photos may be used. Selection of photos used will be made by a professional photographer.

Helpful Hints Regarding H1NI

For more information, please check out the following websites:

AgriLife Extension's Texas EDEN Flu Resources for your clientele:

http://texashelp.tamu.edu/004-natural/disease-and-epidemic.php#fluHuman

For additional flu information: http://www.texasflu.org/

Here is a list of things we can all do to avoid spreading the flu, compiled by Carol Rice, Extension health specialist:

· Get the seasonal flu immunization as soon as possible and the H1N1 vaccination as recommended for you.

· Recognize early signs of flu: fever at 100⁰F or higher, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches and pain, headache, and cold symptoms. Stay at home until free from fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicines.

· Regularly wash hands with warm soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

· Provide and use disinfecting wipes on commonly touched/shared surfaces like door handles, copy machine buttons, phones, etc.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

· Shield coughs and sneezes with your elbow or upper arm rather than your hands; use disposable tissues and discard promptly after use. Keep tissues readily available.

· Avoid shaking hands.

· Maintain a distance of three to six feet from others who appear sick.

· Keep your immune system strong with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a good diet.

Fostering Animals Through the Town Lake Animal Shelter

Below is some information about fostering animals through the Town Lake Animal Shelter. If this might be on interest to your family, please read below and feel free to contact the following individual:

Sarah Hammond

TLAC Foster Coordinator

sarah.hammond@ci.austin.tx.us

512-972-6099 phone

TLAC F.A.Q.

What kind of animals need to be fostered?

Animals that benefit from foster care come in many shapes and sizes! The largest foster need TLAC has is for underage kittens and nursing mother cats and their kittens. We also need foster homes for underage puppies and nursing mother dogs and their puppies. Cats and dogs recovering from illness or injuries will enjoy recovering in the comfort of a foster home. In certain circumstances we simply need special temporary homes for a displaced pet.

What do foster homes need to do to become approved to foster for TLAC?

Fosters must live in Travis County, have a valid picture ID and have access to the Internet. All current animals in the foster home must have up to date rabies vaccinations. Foster homes should discuss fostering with their veterinarian – the veterinarian may suggest additional vaccinations or parasite protection for owned animals to protect them. If the foster home rents, we will need permission from the landlord to foster at the address. Ideally, there should be enough room in the foster home to separate them from owned animals.

How long is the typical foster period?

Average time in foster care is 2-4 weeks. If they become ill, it may be longer. Newborn kittens and puppies will need at least 8 weeks in foster care. Kittens and puppies need to be at least 8 weeks old to be eligible for adoption.

Who handles the veterinary care if a foster pet becomes ill while in foster care?

TLAC has a fully staffed vet services department and will handle all medical needs the foster animal requires at no expense to the foster home.

What happens if a foster’s owned animal catches a disease from a foster animal?

Any illness contracted by owned animals is the responsibility of the foster parent and their own personal veterinarian. All fosters animals are screened against certain contagious illness and the shelter’s recommendation is to keep owned animals separated from foster animals to avoid contamination.

What does the shelter provide in order to help care for the foster animals?

Cats and kittens are provided with food, both canned and hard food. Toys, bedding and litter boxes are all provided by the foster home. Dogs and puppies are provided with food, both canned and hard kibble. They also go home with a leash and collar. If appropriate, TLAC will provide a crate or exercise pen. Toys and bedding are provided by the foster home.

Do foster homes find adopters for their foster pets?

Animals return to Town Lake Animal Center for adoption. Foster homes should be able to provide pictures and behavior information about how the animal behaved in their home to help the shelter match the pets with potential adopters. In the event the foster home finds potential adopters for their foster pets, these adopters must come to TLAC to complete the TLAC Adoption Application Process.

Can foster homes adopt their foster pets?

Of course! By becoming a an approved foster provider, you are an approved TLAC Adopter!

Fantastic Horse Needs a New Home

BA Tomorrow's Magic

IAHA Breeder's Sweepstakes Nominated US National Futurity Nominated AHR# 0596148

“Magic” is a large Arabian pony mare by the Legendary Pioneer V. She is a very well trained pony. She is quiet, and minds her manners. She has had a variety of work done on her. She has been ridden, Dressage, Hunter, Hunter-Jumper, Bareback, and Western. She has done trails down the nearby roads, and been ridden in an arena also. Her ground work is exquisite. She bathes, ties, trims, loads, leads, and all around behaves well. She can also do some TRICKS! She will do well with anyone with a couple of year of experience or as a lesson horse. She is registered with Arabian Horse Association, and is Breeder sweepstakes Nominated. She is update on worming, shots, floating, and Coggins until April. We are selling her due to financial hardship, and another sick loved one. She is valued at way more, however priced for an emergency quick sale.
I have photos and videos upon request. I also have an open schedule so if you would like to have a visit please don't hesitate.

Emily Keller (Please contact Emily - she is the owner and will be able to answer any questions you may have.)
512-744-3366
Salinia6789@AOL.com
Thanks So Much :)

Vendor Opportunities at Pioneer Farms Christmas Event

Pioneer Farms is actively planning for its 2009 Christmas Event, and this could be a great opportunity for you to reach an audience of Austin area families and international visitors. The theme is 'Christmas Around the World', focusing on the heritages and Christmas traditions of the families that settled Central Texas. A Christmas Bazaar is also being planned in conjunction with the event. The date and time of the event is Saturday, December 12th, 4 to 9 p.m.

Pioneer Farms is a non-profit 1880’s living history museum. It is run solely by volunteers and provides an invaluable service to our community in educating school children and the public about Texas history. Members of the Pioneer Farms 4-H Club are volunteers at the museum.

Pioneer Farms waives all vendor fees and vendors may keep 100% of their proceeds. The event will be held rain or shine. Vendors are issued one 12-foot-by-12-foot space for the five hours of this event. The vendor will need to supply tent, tables, chairs, etc. Booth set up will begin at 2 hrs before the event begins and take down must be no later than a half hour after the end of the event. All vehicles must be off of the historic areas inside the museum no later than one half hour prior to the event start time. A special vendor parking area will be provided at the front entrance, near where the booth area will be located. Immediate families of vendor may attend the event free of charge; wrist bands will be provided with your info packet.

If you have any questions regarding this event, or to receive the vendor information packet, please e-mail Angela Walters at cordelia_78681@sbcglobal.net. If you do not have access to e-mail please call her at (512) 497-8952. Angela would like to get vendor applications back by October 30^th if possible, so your information may be advertised on the Pioneer Farms web site. Pioneer Farms looks forward to working with you!

Manor FFA Lamb and Goat Prospect Show

October 31, 2009
Manor AG Barn
Check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com, look up the tab "upcoming events"

National 4-H Conference

WHAT IS NATIONAL 4‐H CONFERENCE?:
The National 4‐H Conference is the Secretary of Agriculture’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4‐H Youth Development Program.

The National 4‐H Conference is a working conference in which youth and adults‐‐at the invitation of the Secretary of Agriculture‐‐assist in the development of recommendations to help guide 4‐H Youth Development Programs nationally and in their communities. This event brings together
youth, volunteer leaders, and state and county Extension staff members from across the United States, the U.S. Territories, and the Canadian Provinces. As the sponsor for this conference, the National 4‐H Headquarters‐‐located within Families, 4‐H, and Nutrition at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES)‐‐is charged with sharing the recommendations that emerge from the conference with the Secretary of Agriculture, national Extension Program Leaders, and others who determine 4‐H programs. At the same time, ensuring that the conference is a meaningful experience for the youth and adult participants.

DATES AND LOCATION:
The 2010 National 4‐H Conference will be held at the National 4‐H Youth Conference Center. The National 4‐H Youth Conference Center is located in a quiet, 12‐acre campus‐like setting in Maryland, one mile from the nation’s capital, making it the perfect gateway to Washington, D.C.’s leaders, monuments and museums. The Conference Center is operated by the National 4‐H Council. To read more interesting history on the National 4‐H Youth Conference Center, visit http://www.4hcenter.org/center_history.html.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?:
The National 4‐H Conference requires youth who are focused and committed to working during the Conference and in their state. The Texas delegation will consist of 10 youth delegates, who need to engage in pre‐ and post conference work and participate in all scheduled conference activities. The minimum age requirement for a Texas youth delegate is 15 years old (must be by January 1, 2010). The maximum age for a youth delegate is 18.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications must be submitted online and certified through 4H CONNECT by November 15, 2009. Final selection of delegates will be made on the basis of the online application. The final selection of delegates will be announced on, or before, December 1, 2009. Please refer to the Application/Nomination for 4‐H Recognition Form (4‐H 3‐2.041) to help you complete the online application. This form is available from the
Publication page of the Texas 4‐H and Youth Development Program website (http://texas4‐h.tamu.edu).

COST:
The delegate’s share of registration, adult chaperone registration, lodging, airfare, meals, and transportation costs is $1500.00. This registration fee will be due on January 5, 2010.

4-H and NASCAR

For many years, 4-H has been looking to partner with NASCAR.

On Sunday, October 4th, the 4-H clover and website address will be featured on the back TV panel of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet driven by Jeff Gordon at the Kansas Speedway.

Tune in for the race that day to check out the great exposure 4-H will receive courtesy of DuPont and NASCAR.

Manor 4-H Club Food Drive

The Manor 4-H Club is hosting a food drive and is inviting all Travis County 4-H families to participate. There is a box at the Travis County Extension Office, located in the front by the 4-H informational booth. Anytime you are coming by the office, think about making a donation with a non-perishable food item. Listed below are some items which are needed. Monetary donations may be made at the following website: http://cafbtx.convio.net/4H

• Peanut Butter
• Soups
• Personal care items (shampoo, toothbrushes, soap, feminine hygiene).
• Canned meats like tuna, stew and chili (pop-tops preferred)
• Canned vegetables
• Pasta & pasta sauce
• Beans
• Rice
• Healthy cereals
• Peanut Butter
• Baby food & baby formula
• Diapers (adult and baby)

Fort Worth Calf Scramble

Youth participants must be between the ages of 14 to 17 years of age as of January 1, 2010 and not be beyond their junior year in high school. If chosen to participate and you catch a calf at the scramble, youth will receive a $500 certificate to purchase a registered beef or dairy heifer. Please let Cory know if you are interested by October 1, 2009.